Source: Tab Ramos signs 4-year deal

The U.S. Soccer Federation has signed Tab Ramos to a contract that will not only see him continue has head coach of the U.S. under-20 men’s national team, but also serve as the USSF’s youth technical director, a source told ESPNFC.com.

Ramos led the U.S. U-20s through a successful qualification campaign for last summer’s FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. Placed in what was thought to be the toughest group at the tournament, the U.S. was able to secure a credible draw with eventual winners France but suffered defeats to both Spain and Ghana, and was unable to progress out of the group stage.

That said, Ramos was widely praised for introducing a more technical style into the side, and he’ll now get a chance to continue that approach. A source told ESPNFC.com that Ramos’ contract is for four years.

In terms of his new role, Ramos replaces Claudio Reyna, who left the USSF in May to take up the position of director of football with MLS expansion side New York City FC. Like his predecessor, Ramos will help implement strategies for the development of both coaches and players at youth level in the United States. Ramos will also continue to aid U.S. national team manager Jurgen Klinsmann.

The move means that Ramos has removed himself from contention for the two remaining coaching vacancies in MLS. Ramos had interviewed for the coaching position with the Columbus Crew, but a source told ESPNFC.com that it was Ramos’ decision to remove himself from consideration. The Crew eventually hired former U.S. international Gregg Berhalter.

Another source told ESPNFC.com that FC Dallas had been interested in speaking with Ramos about that club’s still-vacant coaching position, but with the former U.S. international now re-signing with the USSF, FCD will have to look elsewhere.